Travel Tip

We provide a wealth of practical advice in our Guide to Hotel Safety, and there's one simple tip we mention to which all guests, especially women and those traveling alone, should adhere. Sarah Schlichter writes, "Don't let the front desk attendant publicize your room number. If he or she announces it out loud when giving you your key, ask for a different room." Anyone standing near the front desk in the lobby -- including criminals -- can learn exactly where you're spending the night if the attendant sounds off your room number.